Freight insurance should match the actual transport route, goods, value and risks. An Incoterm may allocate who arranges insurance for a sale, but the policy wording determines cover, exclusions, deductible, insured parties, claims duties and evidence.
Direct recommendation
Before shipment, confirm who arranges cover, the insured voyage and value basis, package description, exclusions and claim procedure with the insurer or broker. At handoff and receipt, preserve condition evidence and give timely notices. Do not assume carrier liability equals cargo insurance.
Planning framework
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Policy | Insured party, cargo, voyage, value, risks, exclusions and deductible |
| Trade contract | Named Incoterm/place and insurance responsibility |
| Shipment | Invoice, packing list, transport document and package/serial identity |
| Condition | Pre-load, seal, delivery and unpacking photographs or survey records |
| Claim | Timely notices, quantified loss, mitigation, repair/replacement evidence |
Define the insured interest
Identify who bears risk at each stage and who can claim. Align the sales contract, transport booking and insurance certificate without assuming they are identical.
Describe the cargo accurately
List machines, attachments, spares, package type, gross values and route. Disclose characteristics the insurer requires.
Review cover and exclusions
Ask about loading/unloading, warehouse periods, theft, water, rust, inadequate packing, delay, concealed damage and deductible. Only the issued policy confirms cover.
Record origin condition
Capture packages, marks, restraints and seals before handoff. Keep serial/configuration references tied to each package.
Inspect promptly at destination
Note visible damage on delivery records where appropriate, preserve packaging, photograph before moving items and arrange survey steps required by the policy.
Assemble the claim file
Include policy/certificate, invoice, packing list, transport document, notices, condition evidence, survey and quantified repair or replacement support.
Information to prepare
- Exact model/configuration and condition as shipped.
- Seller, buyer, importer, consignee, destination and route.
- Package schedule, values, dates and responsible providers.
- Written broker, customs, insurer or carrier decision where applicable.
Related MERI resources
Importer FAQ
Does MERI assign the final customs or insurance decision?
No. The responsible importer and qualified provider must confirm the destination-specific decision.
Can a previous shipment be copied?
Only after checking model, configuration, packaging, route, rules and dates for the new shipment.
Why are fixed numbers omitted?
Rates, codes, package data and capacity can change and must be confirmed for the actual order.
Prepare the exact shipment brief
Send model, destination and logistics requirements for order-specific data.
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